Last Days of School for Hallie (June 2014)

Hallie finished second grade the first week of June.  The school year had it's ups and downs, but overall she grew a lot.  Academically I was most impressed with her handwriting.  Her teacher was a stickler with it, and it paid off.  She also turned into quite the book worm.  She finished chapter book after chapter book, and I loved seeing her indulging in reading.  She and her best friend Gabby loved everyday they had together.  Those two are inseparable!  After first and second grades together, we're sad to see Gabby moving to Boise, but we love her none the less!  Hallie continues to be a best friend to her brother and sister, and has such a kind heart!  She's very excited for the adventures 3rd grade will hold!  We love you so much Hallie!

First Day of School-September 2013

The first day of school came and went all too fast!  Hallie was so excited to be back with her friends and doing all those fun school things!  She always has fun stories to share and is always on the look out for someone who needs a friend.   She always starts the year out a bit unsure about her teacher and then in the end loves the teacher.  We're hoping the story will continue.  Hallie's been a waiver student and she didn't know if she'd be at the same school till one week before it started.  When she found out her waiver was approved, she called her best friend, who would be in her class again, and the celebration began!

 

 Gavin has been waiting and waiting to go to preschool! When he got accepted as a peer model for the district preschool, he was ecstatic to say the least.  He treasured that letter all summer!  He has loved every day of school so far.  He attends four days a week and gets to eat at school.  Every time he comes home, he sings us a new song he learned.  He's too busy to eat all his lunch at school, so he finishes it in the car.  He's a funny boy and always so smiley when we pick him up!

 

Hallie's May

The last month of school was quite eventful for this little girl of mine.  She earned a leadership award, had her star student, and the first grade musical, "Wack-a-Doo Zoo."  It was so fun for her!

At the Leadership assembly, Hallie earned the award for working hard, helping and caring about others, and exemplifying leadership skills.  Out of no-where one day, she decided she to make each student in her class a paper lantern.  So she sat down and created 22 lanterns, simply out of love.  She also dedicated herself to reading this year.  She began the year only reading 3 words a minute.  She wanted to get to the advanced reading group, so she worked hard all year long.  She followed her teacher's instructions and read at home also.  She made it!  She reached the advanced reading group before the year was out.  Her hard work paid off!  Most importantly, she really loves to read! 

Hallie with her leadership award.  She received the loudest applause!  The principal told everyone to quiet down after that!

Each student had a turn to have a "Star Student Day."   Hallie's day was in May.  Hallie and I put together a poster all about her.  We brought cupcakes, told stories, and Grandma Webb and Whitney came along too.    

The three first grade classes put together a musical for the end of year.  They did so good!  They all had their lines memorized, a long with all the songs.  We loved watching our lion make her cock-a-doodle-doo!

All three first grade classes

Hallie and Gabby...best buds!

Jace and Hallie...do we have to stand by each other?

Mason and Gavin...good buddies

We can't forget this little stinker!  I think the music kept her in check.  It was such a fun night and we later met up with friends at Wendy's for a frosty and celebrating such great performances!  We love you Hallie and we're so proud of your hard work, kindness, and beautiful example!

School pic

Every year I think I'm going to find someone to take some amazing pictures of my kids at a fun spot outside, and every year school pictures roll around and I get them because I still haven't taken the time to get some very cool outside shots.  It's alright though.  Hallie's pictures always turn out so cute!  I love my first grader!

In the first couple months of school, Hallie's grown so much!  She's a great helper with Emily, steps in when I need an extra hand, and is always up for something silly!  Hallie's always been a good kid, but lately she's really understanding the importance of telling the truth and being honest, even with little things.  She's connecting right from wrong and taking more responsibility for her actions.  Her humility keeps me in check.  She has this incredible sense of fashion, that at times drives me crazy!  However, I love that she knows what she likes.  It's just hard to get it exactly right!  She's picking up more and more on the tasks at school and her reading is always improving!  She was upset at the beginning of the year because she wasn't reading chapter books yet, but other kids were.  After we got the tears out, we talked about goals, working hard, and staying positive.  She's been so diligent with reading and has improved so much already!  She's getting closer all the time to achieving her goals.  I love how she always wants a party and someone to play with.  We love you Hallie!  Keep up the good work! 

Hallie's First Day of School

Last week Hallie started 1st grade.  I had a much easier time sending her off this year.  Last year, I was pregnant and husbandless, and Chad was at his internship in California.  I cried after I left her in her kindergarten room.  This year, Chad took her to her first day, since I had to head to my job.  We only had excitement and cheers, no tears!    

She is looking older every day!

I just want to say, "Stop growing!!!"

Hallie's doing well so far.  It's an adjustment going from sleeping till 9am or later everyday, to being up at 7am, but she's doing it!  Bedtime is so much earlier now which is definitely nice, but I do miss all those fun summer evenings!  I'm excited for Hallie and her teacher.  She worked with Hallie last year for a reading class and is so positive and upbeat.  I think the year will be great!